How do I work out the speeds on my bike?

The largest ring at the back and the smallest ring at the front is the lowest gear, used for going up inclines. The largest ring at the front and the smallest ring at the back is the highest gear, used for going down inclines.

By selecting different gear combinations, you can find a ratio to suit most terrains, practice on the flat, selecting different gears and see what your response is to them, but remember, you can only change gear while you are moving and pedalling forward, so it is important to select the gear you will need for moving off before you stop.

Normally use 2 on the left and 1-6 on the right.

For hills use 1 and 1-4

High speed and down hill use 3 and 3-6

Don't use the smallest sprockets on the front and rear at the same time or both large sprockets. The angle of the chain causes more wear on the sprockets and chain.

You want a gear that you can pedal at 70-90 rpm's with a lite pressure on the pedals. Switch to 2 and 2 before you come to a stop.

Above answers give all you need to know about the gears, but if it is hard to move forward in all of the gears maybe there is something else wrong.

Turn the bike upside down and try and spin the rear wheel. It should spin easily (with almost no effort) and continue for a while after you stop spinning it. If it doesn't then there is something else wrong, either the brakes or the wheel itself misaligned.